A First Look at HIMSS18

HIMSS18 is off to a busy start, with more than 43,000 healthcare professionals from around the world in Las Vegas. Monday featured the CHIME CIO Forum and the opening keynote by Eric Schmidt, technical advisor and former executive chairman of Alphabet. On Tuesday, the show floor opens.

Here are some initial first impressions of the themes and discussions happening at HIMSS18.

Data, interoperability, and information exchange

On Monday, I walked around the show floor to see if there are any themes among the vendors exhibiting. One major issue being discussed is the importance of information exchange between EHRs, availability of data, and interoperability. There are still many questions around information exchange due to cybersecurity and privacy concerns. It will be interesting to see how healthcare professionals work together on interoperability so they can improve patient outcomes.

Machine learning and computers

In his opening keynote, Eric Schmidt shared his insight about the importance of integrating technology in healthcare as well as the future of machine learning. He believes computers and technology will be ever more important due to the rise in consumer tech, the amount of available data that can be captured, and the need to integrate such data. Schmidt said about the future of computers, smartphone applications, and information exchange, “I want the computers in my life to help me lead a better, healthy life.”

Schmidt also emphasized the importance of predictive analytics. He believes computer algorithms will aid physicians in diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and lead to decreased reimbursements and improved financial costs.

What’s next at HIMSS18

On Friday, Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be delivering the closing keynote, “Perspectives on Leadership and Healthcare Advocacy.” It will be interesting to hear his thoughts on the future of healthcare and patient care, especially through his own medical journey.

Also on the schedule are valuable sessions focusing on data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and population health. These sessions will focus on how hospitals can use emerging technologies to improve population health epidemics and patient outcomes.

Dimensional Insight at HIMSS18

Of course, Dimensional Insight is exhibiting at HIMSS18. We are in booth #6232, where we are providing demos of Diver Platform and our healthcare applications.

Interested in learning more about our healthcare analytics and data management solutions? Please stop by our booth for a demo and to hear more.